Question:
I am considering gastric bypass and I don't know were to start.

   — herman5 (posted on April 21, 2009)

April 21, 2009
I suggest getting a copy of "Weight Loss Surgery for Dummies". It's a great book with lots of information about the different types of surgery available, possible complications, post-op lifestyle changes, resources, and tips. The book will give you great background info to help you know the right questions to ask your physicians and to help guide your research. You can find the book in most bookstores as well as on websites like Amazon.com.
   — ads2e

April 21, 2009
I would suggest you make an appt. with your PCP and talk to him/her and see if they think this is a good idea for you. It always helps to have them on your side. Read read and read anything and everything you can get your hands on about the different surgeries. You may also want to look into your insurance and see what all the requirements are, so if you need to be on a supervised diet for a certain amt. of time you can start working on that now while you are researching and finding out information from doctors etc. Depending on where you live there may be people on this site who can recommend surgeons to you and you can research them and then set up a consult with them.....best of luck to you......Donna
   — gonnabethinfinally

April 21, 2009
HI I had my bypass on 2/19/09. I talked to my MD about having surgery but was not happy with the surgeons I was referred to. I found my surgeon online. I just researched ones in my area. Made a consultation appt with them and made my decision from there. You will also want to check with your insurance to see if it will cover the procedure. My surgeon's office manager actually helped me file my claim. Some insurance companies require more info like health history and problems. I had a really quick approval but I've heard that some insurance companies aren't so generous. Once you're pre-approved you will need to have a bunch of blood tests done. You will also probably need an Upper GI xray, physical, pap-smear and EKG. At least that's what I needed. Hope this helps. Let me know if you have any other questions.
   — alojah82

April 21, 2009
Along with the book Weight Loss Surgury for Dummies(which is a great book- it gives me alot of good ideas and tips) and talking to your PCP, call the hospital to see if they have an informational seminar. That's a class one night a month given by the bariatric surgeon.It gives alot of insight to the process and not just reading it out of a book.
   — Kathleen W.

April 21, 2009
I recommend making an appointment with the bariatric team in the medical building at Good Samaritan Hospital. This team is headed by Dr. George Kerlakian. His entire staff is friendly. courteous and completely knowledgeable about both lap band and rouen-y processes. Most importantly, they are the penultimate professionals, never judgemental and very caring and concerned; they will guide you through every step of the process and not try to persuade you in any way. The decisions you make will be made of your own free will. They are there to assist you in any way you need them to be. Some of the staff are Tangela - bariatric coordinator, Maria - dietician. Vickie - nurse. Tracy - exercise guru (smiles). They will answer all you questions and exibit a great amount of patience while handling all your concerns.
   — ronvh1947

April 23, 2009
I had thought about having gastric bypass a few times before I actually got serious about it and like you, I never knew how to go about getting started. So I looked up the number to the barix clinics I had seen on tv and scheduled my consultation. They took care of everything from there and any additional information I wanted, I either turned to this site or other web sites. Good Luck!
   — Megan21